Race game apparatus



April 1935- P. G. KENNEDY 1,999,052

RACE GAME APPARATUS Filed March 16, 1933 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 April 23, 1935. P 5 KENNEDY 1,999,052

RACE- GAME APPARATUS Filed March 16, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet, 2

April 23, 1935. P. G. KENNEDY 1,999,052

RACE GAME APPARATUS Filed March 16, 1933 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 April 1935 P. G. KENNEDY 1,999,052

RACE GAME APPARATUS Filed March 16, 1933 4 Sheets-sheet 4 mum A. Ms VWr.

. Patented a e. 23, 1935 a 1,999,052

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Application March is, 1933, Serial No. 861,061 In Great Britain May 12, 1932 19 Claims. (Cl. 273-86) This invention relates to race game apparatus these two influences should be such that given and it has for its object to provide novel and equal skill on the part of the competitors, the unique means designed to enhance the interest time taken by each vehicle to cover its relevant of the competitors or players. course should be substantially the same.

The spirit of competition is characteristic of The several tracks are preferably of equal 5 the present invention which is directed to place length and the speeds of the vehicles are initialwithin the reach of many, the experiences of ly designed to be the same but since exact equalthose who are able to take part as actual comiy f sp d is fi cu t o attainment de P petitors in automobileracing on the full scale tical manufacturing limitations and variations, it

and with this and other objects in view my inis desirable to provide for adjustment of the 10 vention consists in the novel combinations and p we suppl d t t diiierent vehicles v narrangements of parts described in the followiently y m n Variable resistance ing specification, illustrated in the annexed drawbined With the electric circuit wherein is lugs and more particularly pointed t in a,peluded each vehicle. Astate of balance, in terms pended claims. of time can thereby be obtained between the sev- 15 I have observed that one of th principal ateral tracks and their relevant vehicles. Other tractions in full size motorcar racing is the latbalancing means y be d Such as an eral skidding or slewing of th vehi l during creased ohmic resistance of certain sections of the negotiation of urv or corners, a d th t the conductor rails from which the vehicles deon the degree of skill displayed in taking such rive their r c p w or y h pr vision f 20 .curves or comers depends in many cases th final dead sections of the conductor rail where the placing of the competitors, supply of electric current is discontinued.

One of the objects of the invention is the pro- Another feature'ef my invention is the p o vision of race game apparatus in which firstly, siim of a compact formation of the tracks y a plurality of .tracksare. provided with curves means of closed circuits with sections at dlflerent 25 or r and Secondly, a plurality fnflnjgtur levels connected by gradients. The tracks are electrically-driven vehicles are. guided by said arranged side y d 80 that the p te tracks by guiding means positioned at the front and sp tat rs v a ar v w as h ma hin s of each vehicle to hold thefront of the vehicle traverse the tracks. the number of tracks and :10 to the track and allow the rear to slew and come- Vehicle's being as desiredi in contact with the guide when taking the curves In the s or corners if taken at too high a speed. So far Figure 1 is a Plan View of one form of track in as I am aware, such slewing motion on curves in accordance With y v nt simulation of motor car skidding is a novel fea- Figure 2 is an isometric View of a track Simi- 215 ture in race game apparatus v 131 formation to. that shown in Figure 1. i

Another object is the provision of a simple com- Figure 3 illustrates in plan another form of petitor-operated control by which the supply of slim-length tmckscurrent to the vehicle may be interrupted allow- Figmie 41s a cross-sectional slevatlon of a guide ing the competitor to concentrate his attention Tail Whlch serves also as a condustor Tail- -11) solely on the speed of the vehicle, and particu- Figures 5 and e e Cress-sectional elevations 40 larly the speed at which the curves are negoof alternative constructions of combined rails. m d Figure 7 is an elevation of a miniature automo- Another object is the provision of race game bileapparatus by which each competitor has an equal Figure 3 is a p View Of the auto bile shown .5 opportunity to traverse the course in the same i Figure 7 d ure 9 is an end elevatien time for the display of equal skill, so that the thereefskill of the operator is the only factor affecting Figure 10 is an t e wiring dia amthe result of the race. The game has therefore In Figure 1 is shown a lay-out for a six-track greater attraction than where devices outside pparatus compri ing tracks surrounded y a so the control of the operator are employed to prorier 2 to l ve n inter-space 3-for the atduce variations in speed. Equity of opportunity tedants; electric control buttons 4 mounted on between the competitors is affected by two factop of the barrier 2, one for each competitor; an tors; firstly by the effective speed of the vehicles; Outer barrier 5 disposed to leave a space 6 for and secondly by the character of the path travthe competitors; an entrance i and exit 8 for ersed by the vehicles. The combined effect of players; and a pay desk 9 at the entrance I. 55

'- general levels.

So that all competitors shall have an equal chance, providing that equal skill is displayed, the paths to be traversed are designed, in one aspect of the game, to be of equal length or perimeter and this object is capable of attainment by various formations of tracks. The shape or configuration shown in Figure 1 is a convenient one and includes a long straight section II which serves as the starting and finishing parts of the tracks. The starting section ii may be followed by a semi-circular curve ilwhich joins a straight section 13 arranged to pass below another portion I4 of the track situated at a higher level. In this example, the tracks are arranged at two different levels connected by one incline and one decline with three bridges or crossings, but there may be several general levels, a with additional radients other than those which connect the The semi-circular curves l2 I! at the ends of the starting and finishing straight section I I are of mean equal radius, and similarly the curves l6, IT at the ends of the upper section (which includes an angle a little in excess of 180) are of equal mean radius. The remaining curves I8, l9 are likewise balanced for mean radius, and as the straight sections are respectively of common length, it will be apparent that the aggregate distance for each track is identical. The crossings are indicated at E4, 20 and 2|, the incline at 22 and the decline at 23. The construction of the tracks may include plywood platforms 24 built upon timber supports 25 as indicated in Figure 2, or moulded composition may be utilized as the basic material.

In Figure 3 I have illustrated in diagrammatic form another configuration of equi-length tracks comprising four curves 26 connected by four straight sections 2?, resulting in a petal form.

There are three general levels 26, 29 and 30 the last-mentioned being the lowest. These general level differences may occur only at the crossings, or may be extended to the petal sections. The crossings involve two descents and two in- 'clines.

- The driving force is electrical and provision is made to supply current to the vehicles by way'of feeder or conductor rails embodied in the guiding rail provided one for each machine on or in the track surface. In Figure 4, two metal conductors 3! are embedded in a hard rubber rail 22 extruded for. convenience, said conductors being of T shaped cross-section. In Figure 5 the conductor rails 3! are attached to and separated from each other by a strip of hard rubber, fibre or other insulating material 33. This construction allows connection of adjacent lengths by means of a sleeve 3% of. metal which can be soldered to ensure good electrical conductivity. A further construction shown in Figure 6 includes conductor rails of channel cross-section separated by an insulating strip and conveniently fixed down to the track platform by nails 35.

.While I have illustrated in Figures '7, 8 and 9 a miniature automobile, other vehicles may be used, the general shape of the body or-cover being suitably adapted to emulate that of, for example, an airplane, airship, motor boat, etc. while retaining the characteristics of the invention by the provision of a machine which is subject to the natural law of centrifugal force for the production of skidding and consequential loss of speed on curves or corners unless the speed at which they are negotiated is reduced by the player below'the speed of travel on the straight. The miniature automobile shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9 comprises a body 36 with rear axle I1 and driving wheels 38 coupled through gearing SI with an electric motor 40. At the front, the car is supported upon a front axle 4| and steering wheels 42, said axle being in the form of a beam pivoted loosely at 43 to the body of the car to allow the rear end to move under the influence of centrifugal force when rounding curves or corners for the purpose of diminishing speed if the curve or corner is taken at a speed exceeding a pre-determined optimum velocity. The vehicle is guided at the front bycontact with the upstanding guide rail, and hinged contact slippers 44 maybe adapted both to supply current to the machine and to cause the vehicle to follow the guide rail.

In-the diagram of electric connections shown in Figure 10, 45 is a source of electric power either battery or mains; 46 and 41 are conductor rails; 48 are the variable resistancesin circuit with the respective conductor rails and relevant vehicles; and 4 are the switches, one for each vehicle and associated circuit, by which the competitors are able to control the speed of their respective vehicles, by interrupting the relevant circuit and thereby cutting off the supply of current thereto. For convenience in bringing the machines to a standstill at the end of a race, a dead section of track may be incorporated and combined with means adapted to bring said dead section into operation at the correct time before the end of the last lap when a plurality of laps constitutes a race. Such timing may be performed manually or automatically. In the former case, a switch 49 is wired to enable a section 50 of each pair of conductor rails to be cut out by the attendant after the last vehicle has commenced the ultimate lap.

While it is preferable to employ equi-length tracks and similar machines with a view to obtaining equity of opportunity for the display of equal skill on the part of competitors, it is found that the limitations of commercial manufacture make it difficult to realize identity of speed as between one machine and another and therefore it is desirable to provide some means for balancing the combined effect of track and initial machine speed. To this end, the elapsed time per circuit or lap can be adjusted and brought into identity by adjustment of the variable resistances 48. As a corollary it follows that the invention includes a plurality of tracks which are of unequal length and/or with different curvatures, compensation for which is obtained by adjusting the maximum speed of the various vehicles by means of the resistances 48. Unlike gradients may be dealt with in a similar manner. Alternatively, the 'ohmic resistance of some of the sections of conductor rail-may be different as between one circuit and another circuit to produce an equal time-basis for each competitor.

The players having taken up their positions in front of the control switches and the vehicl:s brought to the starting line, the game is started by closing the master switch 5| Figure 10, or the switch 49 may be arranged to perform also this function. The machines thus set in motion proceed along the straight section II to enter the first curve. It will be observed that the innermost machines have to traverse the shortest path on the first bend and on the last bend whereas on the two intermediate main curves, they are on the outermost track. Conversely, the outermost machine traverses the longest path on the first and last bends, and the shortest path on the two intermediate bends. Themaximum speed when the electric power is not diminished by a said axle and the main structure of the vehicle to allow the rear of the vehicle to slew on one or competitor, is sufliciently high to produce lateral more of said curves or corners and the rear wheels skidding or side-slippingon some or all or the curves or corners by the eflect o1 centrifugal force, and therefore the speed of negotiation must be reduced by the player by cutting off the supply of current. Conveniently the control is in the form of a push-button mounted to move up and down in a surround which forms a rest for the player's hand. The element of skill resides in the players control oi. the speed at which the curves are taken, and the player who displays the most skill in taking the curves at optimum speed without skidding sufliciently to slow the vehicle, wins the race. The machines are constructed to run at high speeds so that it is necessary to cut out before reaching the curves or some of them, thereby to enhance the pleasure and entertainment of the players and onlookers.

The apparatus described herein permits 01 a reproduction on an inex nslve scale of the thrills and excitement hither associated with motor car racing on the full size scale. When the rear of the machine slews under the influence oi. centrifugal force, one of the rear wheels com s into contact with the upstanding guide rail and is thereby slowed down, or the dimensions of the machine may be such that the body is brought into contact with one of the front wheels, or otherwise slowed down. It may be that one of the rcar wheels jumps the guide rail but as the motor continues to drive, the effect is generally that the rear wheels will creep over the guide rail until in the correct position for normal running and driving. Very excessive speeds on the curves may cause a vehicle to overturn but except under these extreme conditions, the horizontal tongue 52 Figure 9 on the contact slipper 44 will hold the vehicle to the guide rail in a vertical direction upwards of the track. a

A signal, lamp, or other indicator may be combined with each track so that the competitors may have a visual indication as to which is the first car to pass the winning post. Such device is desirable to avoid disputes between players, in

view of the high speeds attained and the close.

finishes which may occur.

To check the number of races run, even when the complement is not a full one, a counting means may be used and operated by each car on each lap so that the takings may be verified. Coin-freed apparatus may be employed in combination with the apparatus described whereby the players may themselves start the game, the coin either operating through mechanical means or being utilizedas an element of the electric circuits oi the vehicles.

Apparatus as described herein incorporates two desirable features; provision for the exercise of skill; and an embodiment of the spirit of competition; allied to an equity of opportunity for the exercise of equal skill, which render the game one of particular pleasure'and interest.

Having thus described my invention; what I claim is:--

1. Race game apparatus for a plurality of competitors comprising in combination a plurality of tracks forming closed circuits, curves or corners thereon; a plurality of miniatu'e electrically driven automobiles or like vehicles adapted to traverse said tracks and to be guided thereby, each of said vehicles including a front axle, guiding means on said axle to engage the relevant track, and an articulated connection between to come into contact'with the track, said vehicles being constructed to traverse said tracks at a speed which will cause the vehicles to slew at the rear on one or more of the curves or corners unless the 'speed of negotiation thereof is reduced by the competitor; a competitor-operated speed control means for each competitor operable at will to control vehicle speed on one or more oi. said curves or corners; and a plurality of electric circuits including said vehicles and said control means the character of said tracks and the speed of the respective vehicles being so combined that the time per lap for traversing each of the several tracks is substantially equal for equal skill in controlling the speed of the vehicles for optimum speed on the said curves or corners.

2. Race game apparatus fora plurality of cornpetitors comprising in combination a plurality of tracks forming closed circuits, curves or corners thereon; a plurality of miniature electricallydriven automobiles or like vehicles adapted to traverse said tracks and to be, guided thereby, each of said vehicles including a front axle, guiding means on said axle to engage the relevant track, and an articulated connection between said axle and the main structure of the vehicle to allow the rear of the vehicle to slew on one or more oi! said curves or corners and the rear wheels to come into contact with the track, said vehicles and means for adjusting the electrical resistance of said electric circuits for equalizing the time taken per lap by the several vehicles to traverse their relevant tracks the character of said tracks and the speed of the respective vehicles being so combined that the time per lap for traversing each of theseveral tracks is substantially equal for equal skill in controlling the speed of the vehicles for optimum speed on the said curves or corners.

3. Race game apparatus for a plurality of com petitors comprising in combination a plurality of tracks forming closed circuits, curves or corners thereon; a plurality of miniature electrically-driven automobiles or like vehicles adapted to traverse said tracks and to be guided thereby, each of said vehicles including a front axle, guiding means on said axle to engage the relevant track, and an articulated connection between said' axle and the main structure of the vehicle to allow the rear of the vehicle to slew on one or more of said curves or corners and the rear wheels to come into contact with the track, said vehicles being constructed to traverse said tracks at a speed which will cause the vehicles to slew at the rear on one or more of the curves or corners unless the speed of negotiation thereof is reduced by the competitor; a competitor-operated speed control means consisting of an on-and-off electric switch for each competitor operable at will for controlling vehicle speed on one or more of said curves or corners; and a plurality of elecswitches the character of said tracks and the speed of the respective vehicles being so combined that the time per lap for traversing each of the several tracks is substantially equal for equal skill in controlling the speed of the vehicles for optimum speed on the said curves or comers.

4. Race game apparatus for a plurality of competitors comprising in combination a plurality of tracks forming closed circuits, curves or corners thereon; a plurality of miniature electricallydriven automobiles or like vehicles adapted to traverse said tracks and to be guided thereby, each of said vehicles including a front axle, guiding means on said axle to engage the relevant track, and an articulated connection between said axle and the main structure of the vehicle to allow the rear of the vehicle to slew on one or more of said curves or corners and the rear wheels to come into contact with the track, said vehicles being constructed to traverse said tracks at a speed which will cause the vehicles to slew at the rear on one or more of the curves or corners unless the speed of negotiation thereof is reduced by the competitor; a competitor-operated speed control means for each competitor consisting of an cn-and-oii electric switch operable at will for controlling vehicle speed on one or more of said curves or corners; a plurality of electric circuits including said vehicles and said switches; and means for adjusting the electrical resistance of said electric circuits for equalizing the time taken per lap by the several vehicles to traverse their relevant tracks the character of said tracks and the speed of the respective vehicles being so combined that the time per lap for traversing each of the several tracks is substantially equal for equal skill in controlling the speed of the vehicles for optimum speed on the said curves or corners. v

5. Race game apparatus for a plurality of competitors comprising in combination .a plurality of tracks forming closed circuits, curves or corners thereon; a plurality of miniature electricallydriven automobiles or like vehicles adapted to traverse said tracks and to be guided thereby, each of said vehicles including a front axle, current pick-up and guiding devices on said axle to. engage the relevant track, and an articulated connection between said axle and the main structure of the vehicle to allow the rear of the vehicle to slew on one or more of said curves or corners and the rear wheels to come into contact with the track, said vehicles being constructed to traverse said tracks at a speed which will cause the vehicles to slew at the rear on one or more of the curves or corners unless the speed of negotiation thereof is reduced by the competitor; conductor rails for each track engaged by said current pickup device to supply current to the relevant vehicle; a competitor-operated speed control means fcr each competitor operable at will for controlling vehicle speed on one or more of said curves or corners; and a plurality of electric circuits including said conductor rails, current pick-ups, vehicles, and speed control means the character of said tracks and the speed of the respective vehicles being so combined that the time per lap for traversing each of the several tracks is substantially equal for equal skill in controlling the speed of the vehicles for optimum speed on the said curves or corners.

6. Race game apparatus for a plurality of competitors comprising in combination a plurality of tracks forming closed circuits, curves or corners thereon, electric conductor rails for each track; a plurality of miniature electrically-driven auto- '1,oc9,ou2

mobiles or like vehicles adapted to traverse we tracks and to be guided thereby, each of said vehicles including a front axle, current pick-up and guiding devices on said axle to contact with said conductor rails and supply current to said Vehicle, and an articulated connection betweenfor controlling vehicle speed on one or more of said curves or corners; a plurality of electric circuits including said conductor rails current pickups vehicles and speed control means; and means for adjusting the electrical resistance of said elec-' tric circuits for equalizing the time taken per lap by the several vehicles to. traverse their relevant tracks the character of said tracks and the speed of the respective vehicles being so combinedthat the time per lap for traversing each of the several tracks is substantially equal for equal skill in controlling the speed of the vehicles for optimum speed on the said curves or corners.

7. Race game apparatus for a plurality of competitors comprising in combination a plurality of tracks forming closed circuits, curves or comers thereon, electric conductor rails for each track; a plurality of miniature electrically-driven automobiles or like vehicles adapted to traverse said tracks and to be guided thereby, each of said vehicles including a front axle, current pick-up and guiding devices on said axle to contact with said conductor rails and supply current to said vehicle, and an articulated connection between said axle and the main structure of the vehicle to allow the rear of the vehicle to slew on one or more of said curves or corners and the rear wheels to come into contact with the track, said vehicles being constructed to traverse said tracks at a speed which will cause the vehicles to slew at the rear on one or more of the curves or corners unless the speed of negotiation thereof is reduced by the competitor; a competitor-operated on-and-off electric switch for each competitor operable at will for controlling vehicle speed on one or more of said curves or corners; a plurality of electric circuits including said conductor rails current pick-ups vehicles and o'n-and-ofr switches; and means for adjusting the electrical resistance of said electric circuits for equalizing the time taken per lap by the several vehicles to traverse their relevant tracks the character of said tracks and the speed of the respective vehicles being so combined that the time per lap for traversing each of the several tracks is substantially equal for equal skill in controlling the speed of the vehicles for optimum speed on the said curves or corners.

8. Race game apparatus for a plurality of competitors comprising in combination a plurality of tracks forming closed circuits, curves or corners thereon; electric conductor rails for each track; a plurality of miniature electrically-driven automobiles or like vehicles adapted to traverse said tracks and to be guided thereby, each of said vehicles including a front axle, current pick-up and guiding devices on said axle to contact with said conductor rails and supply current to said vehicle, and an articulated connection between said front axle and the main structure of the vehicle to allow the rear of the vehicle to slew on one or more 01' said curves or corners and the rear wheels to come into contact with the track, said vehicles being constructed to traverse said tracks at a speed which will cause the vehicles to slew at the rear on one or more of the curves or corners unless the speed of negotiation thereof is reduced by the competitor; a competitor-operated on-and-off electric switch for each competitor operable at will for controlling vehicle speed on one or more of said curves or corners; and a plurality of electric circuits including said conductor rails current pick-ups vehicles and on-and-ofi switches the character of said tracks and the speed of the respective vehicles being so combined that the time per lap for traversing each of the several tracks is substantially equal for equal skill in controlling the speed of the vehicles for optimum speed on the said curves or corners.

9. Race game apparatus for a plurality of competitors comprising in combination a plurality of tracks forming closed circuits, curves or corners thereon, electric conductor rails for each track; a plurality of miniature electrically-driven automobiles or like vehicles adapted to traverse said tracks and to be guided thereby, each of said closed circuits, curves or corners thereon, electric conductor rails for each track; a plurality of miniature electrically-driven automobiles or like vehicles adapted to traverse said tracks and to be guided thereby, each of said vehicles including a front axle, contact slippers hinged on said axle to contact with said conductor rails for supplying current to and guiding the front of said vehicle, and an articulated connection between the said front axle and the main structure of the vehicle to allow the rear of the vehicle to slew on one or more of said curves or corners and the rear wheels to come into contact with the track, said vehicles being constructed to traverse said tracks at a speed which will cause the vehicles to slew at the rear on one or more of the curves or corners un less the speed of negotiation thereof is reduced by the competitor; a competitor-operated speed control means for each competitor operable at will for controling vehicle speed on one or more of said curves or corners; and a plurality of electric circuits including said conductor rails hinged contact slippers vehicles and speed control means the character of said tracks and the speed of the respective vehicles being so combined that the time per lap for traversing each of the several tracks is substantially equal for equal skill in controlling the speed of the vehicles for optimum speed on the said curves or corners.

10. Race game apparatus for a plurality of competitors comprising in combination a plurality of tracks, curves or corners thereon, a pair of electric conductor rails for each of said tracks,

a plurality of miniature electrically-driven automobiles or like vehicles adapted to traverse said tracks and to be guided thereby, each of said vehicles including a front axle, contact slippers hinged on said axle to contact with said conductor rails for supplying current to and guiding the front of said vehicle, and an articulated connection between the said front axle and the main structure of the vehicle to allow the rear of the vehicle to slew on one or more of said curves or corners and the rear wheels to come into contact with the track, said vehicles being constructed to traverse said tracks at a speed which will cause the vehicles to slew at the rear on one or more of the curves or corners unless the speed of negotiation thereof is reduced by the competitor; a competitor-operated speed control means for each competitor operable at will for controlling vehicle speed on one or more of said curves or comers; a plurality of electric circuits including said conductor rails, hinged contact slippers vehicles and speed control means; and means for adjusting the electrical resistance of said electric circuits for initially equalizing the time taken per lap by the several vehicles to traverse their relevant tracks the character of said tracks and the speed of the respective vehicles being so combined that the time per lap for traversing each of the several tracks is substantially equal for equal skill in controlling the speed of the vehicles for optimum speed on the said curves or corners.

11. Race game apparatus for a plurality of competitors comprising in combination a plurality of tracks, curves or corners thereon, a pair of electric conductor rails for each of said tracks; a plurality of miniature electrically-driven automobiles or like vehicles adapted to traverse said tracks and to be guided thereby, each of said vehicles including a front axle, contact slippers hinged on said axle to contact with said conductor rails for supplying current to, and guiding the front of said vehicle, and an articulated connection between said front axle and the main structure of the vehicle to allow the rear of the vehicle to slew on one or more of said curves or corners and the rear wheels to come into contact with the track, said vehicles being constructed to traverse said tracks at a speed which will cause the vehicles to slew at the rear on one or more of the curves or corners unless the speed of negotiation thereof is reduced by the competitor; a competitor-operated on-and-oif electric switch for each competitor operable at will for controlling vehicle speed on one or more of said curves or corners; a plurality of electric circuits including said conductor rails hinged contact slippers vehicles and on-and-ofi switches; and means for adjusting the electrical resistance of said electric circuits for initially equalizing the time taken per lap by the several vehicles to traverse their relevant tracks the character of said tracks and the speed of the respective vehicles being so combined that the time per lap for traversing each of the several tracks is substantially equal for equal skill in controlling the speed of the vehicles for optimum speed on the said curves or corners.

12. Race game apparatus for a plurality of competitors comprising in combination a plurality of closed-circuit equi-length tracks, curves or corners thereon; a plurality of miniature electrically-driven automobiles or like vehicles adapted to traverse said tracks and to be guided thereby, each of said vehicles including a front axle, guiding means on said axle to engage the relevant track, and an articulated connection between said axle and the main structure of the vehicle to allow the rear of the vehicle to slew on one or more of said curves or corners and the rear wheels to come into contact with the track, said vehicles being constructed to traverse said tracks at a speed which will cause the vehicles to slew at the rear on one or more of the curves or corners unless the speed of negotiation thereof is reduced by the competitor; a competitor-operated speed control means for each competitor operable at will to control vehicle speed on one or more of said curves or corners; and a plurality of electric circuits including said tracks said vehicle and said control means the character of said tracks and the speed of the respective vehicles being so combined that the time per lap for traversing each of the several tracks is substantially equal for equal skill in controlling the speed of the vehicles for optimum speed on the said curves or corners.

13. Race game apparatus for a plurality of competitors comprising in combination a plurality of closed-circuit equi-length tracks, curves or corners thereon; a plurality of miniature electrically-driven automobiles or like vehicles adapted to traverse said tracks and to be guided thereby, each of said vehicles including a front axle, guiding means on said axle to engage the relevant track, and an articulated connection between said axle and the main structure of the vehicle to allow the rear of the vehicle to slew on one or more of said curves or corners and the rear wheels to come into contact with the track, said vehicles being constructed to traverse said tracks at a speed which will cause the vehicles to slew at the rear on one or more of the curves or corners unless the speed of negotiation thereof is reduced by the competitor; a competitor-operated speed control means for each competitor operable at will to control vehicle speed on one or more of said curves or corners; a plurality of electric circuits including said tracks, said vehicles and said speed control means; and means for initially adjusting the electrical resistance of said electric circuits for equalizing the time taken per lap by the several vehicles to traverse their relative tracks, the character of said tracks and the speed of the respective vehicles being so combined that the time per lap for traversing each of the several tracks is substantially equal for equal skill in controlling the speed of the vehicles 'for optimum speed on the said curves or corners.

14. Race game apparatus for a plurality of competitors comprising in combination closedcircuit equi-length tracks, curves or corners thereon, electric conductor rails for each track; a plurality of miniature automobiles or like vehicles adapted to traverse said tracks and to be guided thereby, each of said vehicles including a rear axle, an electric driving motor operatively coupled thereto, a front axle, current pick-up and guiding devices on said axle to contact with said conductor rails and supply current to said motor, and an articulated connection between said front axle and the main part of the vehicle structure to allow the rear of the vehicle to slew on one or more of said curves or corners and the rear wheels to come into contact with the track, said vehicles being constructed to traverse said tracks at a speed which will cause the vehicles to slew at the rear on one or more of the curves or corners unless the speed of negotiation thereof is reduced by the competitor; a competitor-operated electric switch for each competitor operable at will for controlling vehicle speed on one or more of said curves or corners; and a plurality of electric circuits including said conductor rails, current pick-ups, electric motors and on-and-off switches, the character of said tracks and the speed of the respective vehicles being so combined that the time per lap for traversing each of the several tracks is substantially equal for equal skill in controlling the speed of the vehicles for optimum speed on the said curves or corners.

15. Race game apparatus for a plurality of competitors comprising in combination a plurality of two-level closed-circuit tracks each comprising a lower part having a starting and finishing straight run and a curve at each end of said straight run, an upper part having a straight run parallel to said starting and finishing straight run and a curve at each end of said straight run, gradients connecting the said low level curves with the said high level curves; a pluralityof miniature electrically-driven automobiles or like vehicles adapted to traverse said tracks and to be guided thereby, each of said vehicles including a front axle, guiding means on said axle to engage the relevant track, and an articulated connection between said front axle and the main structure of the vehicle to allow the rear of the vehicle to slew on one or more of said curves or corners and the rear wheels to come into contact with the track, said vehicles being constructed to traverse said tracks at a speed which will cause the vehicles to slew at the rear on one or more of the curves or comers unlem the speed of negotiation thereof is reduced by the competitor; a competitor-operated speed control means for each competitor operable at will to control vehicle speed on one or more of said curves or corners; and a plurality of electric circuits including said tracks, vehicles andspeedcontrolmeans, the character of said tracks and the speed of the respective vehicles being so combined that the time per lap for traversing each of the several tracks is substantially equal for equal skill in controlling the speed of the vehicles for optimum speed on the said curves or corners.

16. Race game apparatus for a plurality of competitors comprising in combination a plurality of two-level closed-circuit equi-length tracks, each track comprising a lower part with a starting and finishing straight run and a curve at each end of said straight run, an upper part with a straight run and a curve at each end of said straight run, and gradients connecting said low level curves with said high level curves, conductor rails on said tracks; a plurality of miniature automobiles or like vehicles adapted to traverse said tracks and to be guided thereby, each of said vehicles including a rear axle, an electric motor operatively coupled to said axle, a front axle, contact slippers hinged to said front axleto engage said conductor rails for supplying current to said motor and guiding the front 01' the vehicle, and a hinged connection between said axle and the main part of the vehicle structure; a competitor-operated electric switch for each competitor operable at will to control vehicle speed on one or more of said curves or corners; and a plurality of electric circuits including said conductor rails, said contact slippers, said electric motors, and said electric switches, the character of said tracks and the speed of the respective vehicles being so combined that the time per lap for traversing each of the several tracks is substantially equal for equal skill in controlling the speed of the vehicles for optimum speed on the said curves or comers.

17. Race game apparatus for a plurality of competitors comprising in combination a plurality of two-level closed-circuit equi-length tracks, each track comprising a lower part with a starting and finishing straight rim and a curve at each end of said straight run, an upper part with a straight run and a curve at each end of said straight run, and gradients connecting said low level curves with said high level curves, a pair of conductor rails on each of said tracks; a plurality of miniature automobiles or like vehicles adapted to traverse said tracks and to be guided thereby, each of said vehicles including a rear axle, an electric motor operatively coupled to said rear' axle, a front axle, contact slippers hinged to said front axle to engage said conductor rails for supplying current to said motor and guiding the front of the vehicle, and a hinged connection between said front axle and the main part of the vehicle structure to allow the rear of the vehicle to slew on one or more of said curves or corners and the rear wheels to come into contact with the track, said vehicles being constructed to traverse said tracks at a speed which will cause the vehicles to slew at the rear on one or more of the curves or corners unless the speed of negotiation thereof is reduced by the competitor; a competitor-operated speed control means for each competitor operable at will to control vehicle speed on one or more of said curves or corners; a plurality of electric circuits including said conductor rails, contact slippers, electric motors, and speed control means; and means for adjusting the electrical resistance of said electric circuits for initially equalizing the time taken, per lap by the several vehicles to traverse their relevant tracks the character of said tracks and the speed of the respective vehicles being so combined that the time per lap for traversing each of the several tracks is substantially equal for equal skill in controlling the speed of the vehicles for optimum speed on the said curves or corners.

18. Race game apparatus for a plurality of competitors comprising in combination a plurality of tracks forming closed circuits, curves or corners thereon; a plurality of miniature electrically driven automobiles or like vehicles adapted to traverse said tracks and to be guided thereby, each of said vehicles including a front axle unit comprising an axle beam supporting the road wheels, means of articulation on said beam for coupling to the vehicle structure to allow the rear of the vehicle to slew on one or more of said curves or comers and the rear wheels to come into contact with the track, and a pair of spaced current pick-up and guiding devices on said axle beam for co-operation with said guide, said vehicles being constructed to traverse said tracks at a speed which will cause the vehicles to slew at the rear on one or more of the curves or corners unless the speed of negotiation thereof is reduced by the competitor; a competitor-operated speed control means for each competitor operable at will to control vehicle speed on one or more of said curves or corners; a plurality of electric circuits including said vehicles and said control means; and means for adjusting the electrical resistance of said circuits for equalizing the time taken per lap by the several vehicles to traverse their relevant tracks; the character of said tracks and the said adjusting means being so combined that the time per lap for traversing each of the several tracks is substantially equal for equal skill in controlling the speed of the vehicles for optimum speed on the said curves or corners.

19. Race game apparatus for a plurality of competitors comprising in combination a plurality of tracks forming closed circuits, curves or corners thereon; a plurality of miniature electrically-driven automobiles or like vehicles adapted to traverse said tracks and to be guided thereby, each of said vehicles including a front axle unit comprising an axle beam supporting the road wheels, means of articulation on said beam for coupling to the vehicle structure to allow the rear of the vehicle to slew on one or more of said curves or corners and the rear wheels to come into contact with the track, and a pair of spaced contact slippers hinged to the axle structure to cooperate with said guide to pick up current and steer the vehicle, said vehicles being constructed to traverse said tracks at a speed which will cause the vehicles to slew at the rear on one or more of the curves or corners unless the speed of negotiation thereof is reduced by the competitor; a competitor-operated speed control means for each competitor operable at will to control vehicle speed on one or more of said curves or corners; a plurality of electric circuits including said vehicles and said control means; and means for adjusting the electrical resistance of said circuits for equalizing the time taken per lap by the several vehicles to traverse their relevant tracks; the character of said tracks and the said adjusting means being so combined that the time per lap for traversing each of the several tracks is substantially equal for equal skill in controlling the speed of the vehicles for optimum speed on the said curves or corners.

PATRICK GILBERT KENNEDY. 

